Development of hydrogel-coated nanogel systems for chronic skin infections

Summary

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most prevalent bacterial infections encountered in clinical practice, yet they pose significant therapeutic challenges. Chronic SSTIs, often complicated by biofilm formation, require long-term treatment, with current therapeutic approaches heavily dependent on systemic antibiotics. However, oral antibiotics are associated with gastrointestinal side effects and disruption of the gut microbiota, which has been shown to exacerbate antibiotic resistance. These limitations highlight the urgent need for innovative, localised antibiotic delivery systems that can effectively address these therapeutic obstacles while minimising systemic exposure.

This project aims to develop a targeted, antibiotic-loaded hydrogel-coated nanogel system to deliver the antibiotic linezolid directly to infection sites. The dual-layer design of this system includes an outer hydrogel layer that disrupts bacterial biofilms and an inner nanogel core that encapsulates the antibiotic, allowing for controlled, sustained release of the encapsulated drug. This targeted approach also keeps the antibiotic localised to the infection area, reducing systemic side effects and helping to preserve gut health. In this project, nanogels will be synthesised to effectively carry linezolid, hydrogel-coatings will be manufactured for biofilm penetration and in vitro testing will be performed to evaluate the system’s stability and efficacy.

This innovative delivery system is expected to significantly improve SSTI treatments by enhancing antibiotic effectiveness against resistant bacteria and reducing adverse effects. Its biocompatibility also makes it safe for wound care applications, offering a promising solution to manage chronic infections, surgical site infections, and other complications associated with biofilms and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, this targeted approach has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and advance antimicrobial stewardship.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.